Comedy Gold at The Mine

For the past 17 months, I have been producing and performing in a monthly stand-up comedy showcase in Saratoga, NY. I’ve watched it grow from a simple open mic, in which we couldn’t seem to figure out things like lighting and sound, to an awesome showcase that is bringing in acts from as far away as Los Angeles, CA.

From the beginning, one of my main goals in this monthly show has been to provide emcee experience for anybody who would like it. I’ve been pretty literal when it comes to the word “anybody”, even giving that opportunity to a non-comedian friend who wanted to see what she could do on stage. Some people underestimate the difficulty of what we as comics do on stage. I’ve since limited “anybody” to people who regularly perform. In the first year or two of my comedy career, I was provided with a lot of hosting opportunities, mainly at the now closed Funny Farm in Gloversville. Those hosting gigs gave me the chance to work with some great talents, from Freddie Stone to Danny Lobell. Names that I, as a comedy nerd, have learned to appreciate in the years since. So, I hope to be providing similar experiences for others.

In the past couple of months, I have been lucky enough to find some more experienced comedians who want to do extended sets at the end of the show. The monthly Comedy Gold has evolved to the point where, in addition to the guest host, there is now also 2 extended “headlining” sets, along with the few regular length sets performed at the start of the show.

If you are interested in checking out the show, be advised that parking in downtown Saratoga can be difficult. It helps to arrive early. I have found myself walking quite a distance some months, from parking spot to The Mine.

This post isn’t intended to just be an advertisement for my showcase, just a chance to write about something that I am proud of. However, I am blogging about it today, because this Friday is the 17th monthly Comedy Gold showcase. This month, our guest host is fellow blogger and WCDB’s Ethan Ullman. We have recent Comedy Works local audition winner, Lee Stevens, and Massachusetts comic, Jay Are Adams, co-headlining. Plus, making his stand-up debut, Q-103’s Dalton Castle! This show starts at 8pm and is at The Mine, 388 Broadway in Saratoga.